Insomnia

What is Insomnia?

When you have insomnia, you struggle with one or more of the following problems:

• Have a hard time falling asleep
• Wake frequently throughout the night
• Struggle to get back to sleep after waking during the night
• Wake up too early in the morning (and can’t get back to sleep)

You have short-term insomnia when your symptoms last less than three months. The condition is chronic (long-lasting) when your symptoms occur three or more times each week, and your sleep problems go on for three months or longer.

What other symptoms appear if I have Insomnia?

Though difficulty falling and staying asleep are the key signs of insomnia, the lack of sleep and interrupted sleep lead to additional symptoms. You may experience:

• Daytime tiredness and fatigue
• Irritability, hyperactivity, and restlessness
• Difficulty paying attention
• Loss of memory
• Mood swings
• Depression
• Anxiety

Insomnia affects your performance at school or work and is a top cause of car accidents. Lack of sleep also has an impact on your physical health. It raises your risk of developing chronic health conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, and obesity.

How is Insomnia treated?

In most cases, your provider can diagnose insomnia by reviewing your symptoms and sleep habits. However, they may do additional testing to rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms.

If your symptoms point to a sleep disorder other than insomnia, or they signal another sleep problem in addition to insomnia, you may need to have a sleep study at Prime Pulmonary & Sleep Center.

After verifying that you have insomnia, your provider creates a customized treatment plan that may include one or more of the following:

Sleep hygiene

Sleep hygiene refers to creating and following bedtime habits that promote sleep. Behaviors that help you sleep include keeping your bedroom cool and quiet, turning off electronics, and avoiding caffeine and alcohol in the evening.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I)

CBT-I involves 2-8 sessions that teach you how to relax and sleep. For example, you may learn techniques for controlling thoughts that keep you awake.

Sleep medications

Your provider can prescribe medications that help you sleep, but most are for short-term use because they’re addictive.

Don’t spend another night frustrated because you can’t sleep. Call Prime Pulmonary & Sleep Center, or schedule an appointment online today.